Rock and roll legend Chuck Berry has failed to turn up for two sell-out
concerts in Spain apparently because he was sulking after his daughter
ticked him off for driving too fast.

By Fiona Govan in Madrid

3:16PM BST 30 Jul 2008

The American guitarist and singer, who turns 82 in October, was scheduled to perform in Estepona on Spain's Mediterranean coast on Saturday and in the northern city of Leon a day later.

Missing: Chuck Berry was sulking after an argument

But organisers were enraged and thousands of fans left disappointed when the musician pulled out at the last minute, initially sparking fears for his health.

Berry was expected in Malaga by plane from Manchester shortly before the concert was due to start last Saturday but when he failed to arrive organisers contacted his representatives and were told he had boarded a plane to Chicago instead.

Fearing the aged star had health problems they were instead informed that he had decided not to continue his European tour because he was sulking after an argument with his daughter.

"They apparently rowed because she did not allow him to drive as fast as he would have liked on the British roads," reported El Pais newspaper.

Concert promoters have rounded on Berry for his rudeness and are now considering legal action against the musician, who was paid 72,000 euros in advance.

"We had no time to react. We found out he wasn't coming one hour before the concert, and just because we called them up. Otherwise, we'd still be waiting," said a spokesman for Br Music, the organiser of the Estepona gig.

Organisers have been warned they face a long legal battle and could take three years to reclaim their costs. "And that's if he doesn't die in the meantime," the spokesman added.

Berry, whose hits include Johnny B Goode and Roll Over Beethoven, is viewed as the inspiration to numerous bands including The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.

He has not released an album of new material since 1979's "Rock It" but still tours regularly.